Is prior paddling experience required for the Käkkälöjoki River trip?

No, the river’s gentle current makes it suitable for beginners, though basic paddling skills help ensure safety and enjoyment.

What is included with the guided trip package?

Guided trips include canoe or kayak rental, paddles, buoyancy aids, transfers to and from the river, meals, and overnight accommodation in wilderness huts.

Can I extend the trip beyond the standard 38km route?

Yes, you can continue past Siltakoski toward Ketomella, but note that section has challenging rapids requiring advanced paddling skills.

Are the wilderness huts equipped with facilities?

The huts provide basic shelter, wood-burning stoves for heat, and simple amenities, offering a rustic but comfortable experience.

When is the best time to paddle the Käkkälöjoki River?

From early summer through August, when the river is clear of ice and insect activity is manageable with proper preparation.

How do I get to the river put-in points?

Hetta Huskies includes all necessary car transfers from the village of Nunnanen and back, making access straightforward.

Paddling Käkkälöjoki River with Hetta Huskies in Enontekiö | Canoe | Transfer

The Käkkälöjoki River carves a serene route through the rugged wilderness of Enontekiö in Lapland, Finland, offering paddlers a rare chance to navigate a gentle river coursing through marshlands and protected natural terrain. Managed by Hetta Huskies, a local outfitter known for their authentic connection to the Arctic landscape, this river trip suits beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

Stretching 38 kilometers from near the Norwegian border alongside the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area, the Käkkälöjoki River drops only about 25 meters in elevation. This modest gradient ensures calm waters that invite easy, relaxed paddling through expansive wetlands marked by reed beds, scattered birch and pine, and the occasional glimpse of elusive wildlife such as beavers or osprey. The Saaravuoma-Koskisenvuoma marshland protection area frames much of the river’s path, conserving fragile ecosystems and adding to the trip’s quiet, off-the-grid feel.

Trips with Hetta Huskies offer flexibility: a one-day stretch for experienced paddlers or a more leisurely two-day journey that includes a night in wilderness cabins like Kalmakaltio or Nallatupa, both perched on the riverbanks. These huts provide a cozy refuge from the elements and a chance to soak in the remoteness. Transfers from the village of Nunnanen and logistics are handled seamlessly by the company.

Seasoned or novice, paddlers can extend their route beyond the standard 38 kilometers toward Ketomella, where more challenging rapids await—specifically at Haarakoski Rapids near the Ounasjoki junction, a natural landmark demanding respect and skill.

Hetta Huskies’ combination of thoughtful facilitation, wilderness accommodation, and expert guiding makes the Käkkälöjoki River a standout for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on Finnish Lapland's waterways. It’s a trip that balances solitude, safety, and scenic reward, a compelling addition to the region’s outdoor offerings.